The University of Winchester is planning to welcome new and returning students onto its campus and into student accommodation at the start of the new academic year in September, it announced today (Wednesday 3 June 2020).
The University is putting in place a range of appropriate measures for a 'Covid Safe Campus' to ensure students and staff are safe. The plans were announced in a letter to staff, students and applicants.
For the whole of next academic year (2020-2021), students will experience a combination of small group, on-campus sessions with large group teaching taking place online. Most courses at Winchester are already taught in small group settings, leaving the University well-placed to accommodate social distancing measures set out in national guidelines. Students required to continue shielding beyond the start of the academic year will receive additional online support to enable them to start their course.
Professor Joy Carter CBE, DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Winchester, said: "I am pleased to confirm that the University is planning to be open in September to welcome new and returning students. Our plans are guided by national advice alongside our own passion for giving students the best possible experience at Winchester.
"Over the coming weeks we will be developing our plans further and will continue communicating these to our students. As with many aspects of our life in lockdown, we have all become used to different ways of interacting. Our top priority is that our students have a thoroughly enjoyable and safe time here. We will be working with Winchester Student Union and others in the city to explore ways to help students safely enjoy life as a student in the beautiful city of Winchester."
Over recent years, the way students study at higher education level has become a blend of classroom-based and online teaching, where traditional practices have developed with the use of online teaching and learning tools. Winchester has for many years made use of a 'virtual learning environment' that comprises some of the best online educational tools available. This web-based platform creates a personalised and interactive learning space for students to receive course materials, interact with tutors, share resources, collaborate with fellow students and submit work.
The University is also setting up a new 'Ask Winchester' help desk for new and returning students, with a dedicated team in place to help make the transition to university as smooth as possible.
More detailed information about how Winchester is preparing for September 2020 can be found on the University website at: winchester.ac.uk/ready-for-you.
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From: University of Winchester Website
